Bridge is an open game, and partnerships are not allowed to
have secret understandings. Hence we are obliged to alert certain bids which
may not have an obvious meaning to the opposition. Players are required to give
a full explanation of the meaning not just quote the name of a convention. Players
may choose to deviate from the agreed points range provided partner is not aware.
Alerts apply to Club bridge, playing duplicate pairs or teams. Playing Rubber
bridge: you need not alert or announce any bids.

Bids which are alertable are:

1.Conventional bids in a suit where the suit bid may be less
than 3 cards or even none at all

3. Bids in a suit where the suit has at least 4 cards, but shows
a second suit

4. Any bid that has a much different points holding than would
be expected or is forcing where the expectation is different (i.e. a forcing
1NT response)

5. Doubles that are the reverse of what may be expected, or
doubles of artificial bids to direct a lead.

You do not alert:

1. Opening bids at the two level showing the suit- these are
announced

2. Transfers over 1NT these are announced, likewise Stayman
with simple responses.(e.g. provided there are no responses to show both majors,
Stayman is then alerted) .

3. Trial bids after suit agreement where the trial suit is at
least 3 cards

4. New suit bids at the 4 level after 3 bids have already been
made (e.g. cue bids)

5. Doubles of weak twos , weak three bids if they are for take-out

If a bid is not alerted you should assume it is natural and
not ask the meaning of the bid.

Appendix

Examples of when you must alert

1. An opening bid of 2
/ that is
for a very strong hand or 8 playing tricks in an undisclosed suit. Alert also
any relay or negative response. If the opening bid 2
bid always shows a suit of at least
5 cards, it can be announced as “strong”